(Minghui.org) The annual Seafair Torchlight Parade was held in Seattle on the evening of July 26, 2025. Thousands of people lined the streets to watch it in person, while thousands more watched it live on television or on the Internet. Falun Dafa practitioners from Seattle and Vancouver rode on the float they made, played the waist drums and carried banners during the parade.

Practitioners participated in the Seafair Torchlight Parade on the evening on July 26, 2025. They held banners that read: “Falun Dafa,” “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” and “The world needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.” Their boat shaped float and Waist Drum Team were warmly applauded throughout the parade route.

The Seafair Torchlight Parade is an eagerly anticipated annual event that celebrates summer in Seattle. It was first held in 1950 and has become a fixture in the American Northwest. Falun Dafa practitioners first joined the parade 20 years ago in 2005, and they’ve become an integral part of this important cultural tradition. The theme of this year’s Falun Dafa entry was: Udumbara Flowers Reappear in the World.

Parade Commentator: Don’t Blink When Udumbara Bloom

The Undumbara flowers on the float named "Fa Boat" were shaped into brightly-colored lanterns. The 30 graceful Udumbara flowers and colorful lotus flowers turned the float into a beautiful celestial garden.

Many people said they were amazed by the sheer size and grandeur of the Fa Boat, its unique design, and its dazzling colors. They enthusiastically applauded and cheered, and some video-recorded or took photos of the float with their phones.

The nearly seven-meter-long sails of the Fa Boat were raised, symbolizing the beginning of life’s most meaningful voyage. The back of the Fa Boat featured a pattern of mist-shrouded mountains with golden peaks, symbolizing Falun Dafa’s positive energy illuminating the universe.

Practitioners on the float demonstrated the Falun Dafa exercises. Some practitioners were dressed as celestial maidens in traditional Chinese costumes, and they waved and interacted with the audience. Some people followed the practitioners’ exercise movements, and pressed their palms together in front of their chests to greet the practitioners.

As the Fa Boat float passed the rostrum, the commentator introduced them: “Now we have the Washington State Falun Dafa Association. We are seeing this beautiful float. This is the 20th year the Fa Boat has participated in the Seattle Torchlight Parade, and it continues to inspire people. This float is an award-winning creation (the Fa Boat float has won 17 awards in past parades). It is presented by a peaceful cultivation group that follows the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. This handcrafted float is adorned with shimmering gold trim and features celestial beings in traditional costumes, as well as a garden of dazzling Udumbara flowers—those legendary flowers that are said to bloom only once every 3,000 years. When they bloom, don’t blink!”

Inspiring Waist Drum Performance

The Waist Drum Team, made up of dozens of practitioners, walked behind the float. In theirbright yellow uniforms, they played the waist drums, a traditional Chinese musical instrument that’s been around for thousands of years. The team performed pieces such as “Falun Dafa Is Good” and “Festive Celebration.” The music conveyed to the audience the messages of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, which are the principles practitioners live by.

Many onlookers danced to the music played by the team. When the practitioners waved their drum sticks to the audience after they finished a piece, they received warm applause. Some people cheered, while others gave them a thumbs up to show their appreciation.

People Thank Falun Dafa Practitioners

Many Chinese families also watched the parade. When they saw the Falun Dafa practitioner’ float, they smiled and clapped enthusiastically to welcome China’s rich traditional culture.

Practitioners handed out Falun Dafa flyers during the parade, and many people extended their hands to take them. Some immediately started reading how the exercises promote health and fitness, and the teachings are free of charge. A parade volunteer and an onlooker gave a practitioner a hug and thanked her for introducing Falun Dafa to them.

Mr. Wei told a practitioner, “We watch the Seafair Torchlight Parade every year. Every time we see you, we shout ‘Falun Dafa is good!’”

A person who designed the float for another procession told the practitioners, “The design of your float is ingenious and unique.”

Practitioners participated in the Capital Lakefair Grand Parade in Olympia, Washington a week prior. The parade was held during the day so the practitioners used a different setup for the float. The person in charge of the Lakefair Parade was in the Torchlight Parade that day. She told practitioners that she loved both setups because they looked gorgeous. She invited practitioners back to the Lakefair Parade next year.